Fiji News

Chess community mourns death of Russell Taloga

16-year-old Russell Taloga who was to represent Fiji to a competition in New Zealand next week drowned during a swimming trip in the Namosi hills on Saturday.

Fiji Chess Federation President, Calvin Prasad, says Russell was a talented young boy and his sudden death will leave a huge gap in the chess fraternity.

“The Chess community is shocked by this tragic loss. I’ve been receiving calls and emails from all over the place. The representatives from the Oceania Chess have expressed their condolences and will observe a minute of silence for Russell at the event that starts this weekend.”

Russell is believed to be the first drowning case for 2017 and will be laid to rest on Saturday.